My New Obsession!

A couple days before Christmas, my husband came home with some wrapped gifts, and of course he nor I could wait to open them, so before we headed out to dinner, I opened. As you can see, it was a Pentax K-x!

For the past year, I have really wanted to get into photography (babies, engagement, and families) but hadn't purchased a camera yet. Derrick was aware that I wanted to do this and so he surprised me and picked it out himself! I was so surprised and still, I am very excited!

I have a lot to learn about this camera. Derrick also got me lessons so I can learn all of the in's and out's and use every feature it has to offer. Derrick is also really into this gift. I can't wait to start traveling with it and getting some really great shots. Thanks to my husband for such a great and thoughtful gift! It really is a gift that will keep on giving!

Mr. & Mrs. Benson

This past Saturday was Maria Landram and Brian Benson's wedding! They have been together for 6 years, and got engaged last Easter! I had never been to a winter wedding, so it was fun changing it up. We all gathered at the Crowne Plaza in Clayton for an amazing reception. The food was good, and everyone was on the dance floor! Derrick & I.

Lovely ladies.
Maria, Amy, Julie, myself, Lo.

A great wedding for a wonderful couple, Maria & Brian Benson!!! I hope you both live a happy and healthy life together :)

Christmas in New York

Last week, me, my mom, and Gram headed to New York to experience the Christmas spirit of NYC! Overall, it was a great trip and I am so glad we went, and can't wait to go back in December 2012!

My favorite areas of New York are Tribeca and Bryant Park. The next time we go back we will definitely stay at one of those areas. This time, we stayed downtown Manhattan.

At the Today Show! It was very cold this morning, if you couldn't tell.

We were lucky enough to get Regis & Kelly tickets! I had never been on a live set like this and it was very cool to see the entire production. And, each member of the audience received $500 to Snapfish! I have been ordering so much stuff...Christmas cards, personalized stamps, etc!

The tree at Rockafeller Center was beautiful!

We were supposed to fly home on Sunday, but fortunately our flight got canceled and we weren't able to come home until Monday night. Having Sunday as an extra day, me and my mom went back downtown, did some extra shopping, stopped by Magnolias Bakery (picked up some cupcakes!) and enjoyed the extra city time. We finally were learning the street system and subway system. New York is a fast-paced, fun, energetic city that makes you want to come back and do everything all over again!

Holy Christmas Cookies

This past weekend, we got out of town and went to Ste. Genevieve to visit Derrick's parents. Along the way, we picked up our friends, Amy & Curt Jenkerson! I was very excited to hang out with them because I hadn't seen them in forever and Amy is pregnant! (Can't wait until baby Julie gets here in March!)

On Saturday morning, Sandy, myself, Amy, Mindy, and Jonathan headed into town for the Christmas parade, shopping, and lunch. It was bitter cold and SO windy. The below picture is of Jonathan...I was making him laugh...so funny...

When we arrived back to the house we got started on the main purpose of the weekend. CHRISTMAS COOKIES! This is a Stewart family tradition that happens every year. We made four batches of sugar cookies, and then decorated every single one of them. It was a lot of fun and so delicious!

Here we are! A couple years ago, Sandy had purchased us all aprons with our name on them. I kind of feel out numbered in this picture. Two preggos: Mindy and Amy!

Merry Christmas!

Ladies' Nights

As much as I love and adore my husband, I enjoy nothing more than a night out with my girlfriends! We all headed out for Maria's bachelorette party in November! We started at Julie's for drinks and presents, then got on our AMAZING bus for the night!
We made our first stop at McGurks, which was a blast!!!

The night ended with dancing, which was perfect, because I hadn't been dancing in forever! Maria's wedding is coming up and I can't wait to see her in her dress :)

I was also lucky enough to have another girls night out this past Wednesday. My girlfriend Brandy and I went to see the incredible CARRIE UNDERWOOD! We headed to Tani in Clayton for some sushi and martinis, and then drove down to Chaifetz Arena. Carrie's voice live is absolutely beautiful. Her show was great and I'm so happy we went! Unfortunately, I didn't get a pictures with B, oh well, maybe next time!

Gobble, Gobble!

I think it has been over a month since my last post. It's that time of the year, when so much is going on and I am busy!

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving in Springfield, MO this year. We drove there a day early to go to Silver Dollar City with the Stewart family. Now, I have lived in Missouri for over 16 years and have NEVER been to SDC. Can you believe it? We rode rollarcoasters (one of my favorites!) and enjoyed the 65 degree day. Jonathan and Lincoln were especially cute riding the kiddo rollarcoasters. When Jonathan would remember, he would put his little hands in the air while laughing hysterically.

Is Jonathan the cutest kid ever? I think so!

We had a wonderful meal on Thanksgiving Day. We even got a little surprise snow! I just love when it snows on holidays. It's like it was meant to be. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season so far! I know we are!

New Posts Coming Soon!